It’s hard to believe that my baby has been gone four and a half years. I still miss you every day.

Gizmo, you came into my life and from the moment mum brought you home as a surprise for me we were so close. We went everywhere together.

We were so close that all I had to do was think about you and you came running. If you weren’t  in the room and I wondered where you were, you would get up and come into the room.

I always knew when you felt down and you knew when I did and you always came over to comfort me.

We had lots of fun…you loved playing games and your favourite was the ball. Your baby. I would say to you “get the baby, quick!” and you would go grab the ball and lick it to death.

You were a big licker…you loved licking the ball. Unfortunately it didn’t do much for your breath, but that was ok because I regularly brushed your teeth (which you didn’t like but put up with).

You loved laying out under the sun, baking yourself silly after I had given you a bath, then coming inside in the cool and flopping down like a sack of beans.

You were a big foodie…you always had your eye on the prize. You ate anything, including fruit and veges. You especially loved snacks and sweets.

You loved going for a walk but usually charged ahead. I only had to get the collar from it’s usual place and you went to the door and wagged your tail. Or if I said “walkies” you got so excited you jumped up and down.

You were stubborn and when Yasu came into our life you never paid any attention to what he said which really annoyed him. You only ever listened to me.

You were my baby, my beautiful girl, with a heart of pure gold. You never did me wrong, you were always there for me, no matter what.

You taught me about about giving and receiving love. You taught me about loyalty and friendship. You were the greatest teacher I have ever had.

My life has never been the same since I had to euthanise you on a September morning in 2005. That was the hardest decision I have ever had to make. But I did it because I sensed your pain and discomfort. I really wanted to have you around in my life but I didn’t think it was fair to you to keep you living on in pain.

Yasu and I were there when you passed over. I was holding you in my arms and Yasu was stroking your fur. I know you think he didn’t love you but he really did. He didn’t grow up around animals so he didn’t know how to show it.

Yasu and I cried all the way home in the car that day. I think you were the first animal to ever enter his heart. I had to go to work that day and it was so hard. I felt as if half of my heart had been cut out, I grieved so much for you. Life just felt so empty. No more babies, no games, no balls and no walkies.

I kept all your “babies” and your Tokyo Puppia jumpsuit, and your matsuri yukata that I bought in Tokyo for you (which you didn’t like very much).

We got you cremated and your new home became our shelf in the family room, in a beautiful carved wooden box with a gold plate. I see you every day and I’ve surrounded you with your toys, your collar and your Pet of the year medal that you won.

We love you so much. Just last night Yasu and I were talking about you in bed, and Yasu said Happy Birthday to you.

Remember when, every birthday I used to buy a birthday cake for you and birthday presents? Yasu wanted to get a cake this year, but it just wouldnt be the same if you’re not there to share it with us. So we’re giving you a cake and presents and lots of love with our hearts.

I hope that where you are now, you are in peace and you are pain free. I hope you are happy and you have met up with Burt and Lollipop. And maybe even Ching.

It’s not the same without you, I want you to know that. You are my baby and you always will be. You are my beautiful girl. I know that someday I will meet you again, Gizmo.